The United States and Japan will step up their defence cooperation to deal with the threat from nuclear-armed North Korea as tensions in East Asia remain high, officials from the two allies said on Thursday.

Bikie-linked NSW drug supply ring busted

Eight people have been arrested over a bikie-linked drug ring in NSW's Northern Rivers region.

Lone Wolf bikie paraphernalia, a Taser, an illegal bar set-up, ecstacy pills, cannabis plants and thousands of dollars in cash were seized during raids on homes in and around Lismore on Thursday morning, police say.

Six men and one woman, aged between 23 and 45, were charged with drug offences, and police are speaking to a 65-year-old man.